Cal’s Woodson reflective in journey to NFL | 2025 NFL Draft film review
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One of Cal's most consistent players, Woodson appeared in 46 games during his time in school.
Former Cal safety Craig Woodson was tasked with doing a lot within the team’s defense. He covered slot receivers and served as deep middle patrol for the unit. Woodson’s presence in the secondary was vital for the nation’s 20th-ranked third down defense.
That presence did not come without some trials and tribulations.
Woodson missed the entire 2021 campaign after suffering a knee injury in fall camp. That injury paved the way for a triumphant return to action.
He shared as much with The Daily Californian late in 2022:
“Having that knee injury that kept me out, recovering from it, was one of the toughest things I’ve had to do in my life,” Woodson said. “That was really just a hard thing for me to know that some days I’m not capable of doing the things I wanted to, but I know if I keep working towards it I’ll be there eventually.”
Over the next three seasons, he became one of the team’s most trusted standouts.
Productivity…on and off the field
He finished fourth on the team in tackles in 2022 and ranked third in each of the last two seasons (2023-24). As a result, he earned a trip to the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. His performance in that contest as a tackler offered context on his on-field range. His ability to create succinct angles off the hash marks in pass coverage served as a (see video above) preview of things to come.
Woodson produced impressive testing results in the 40-yard dash (4.45), vertical jump (36″) and broad jump (10’7″) at this year’s NFL Combine.
While those numbers are noteworthy, they may take a backseat to the third-team All-ACC safety’s work in the classroom. The exemplary student-athlete was named a College Sports Communicator’s Academic All-District 8 selection (required to have at least a 3.5 GPA) in back-to-back seasons (2022-23). And -as one might expect- Woodson started 38 straight games to close his career after the season-ending knee injury.
And, as for his overall experience at Cal?
“It was all worth it, honestly,” Woodson said with a smile on his face. “Glory be to God. First of all, just allowing me to play this game at a high level and just giving me the opportunities that it’s blessed me with. Just to be on the field and all the things off the field…I’m just grateful for it. I’m happy that I stayed this extra year. Honestly, everyone’s got options nowadays, but I think this is a special place. And the relationships that I’ve built here, I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.”
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